Allergic Asthma

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Allergic Asthma Definition

A person suffering from allergic asthma is sensitive towards certain allergens. These allergens enter through the respiratory system and react with the immune system causing allergic asthma.

Allergic Asthma Causes

Allergens can easily be breathed through lungs causing allergic asthma. Some of the common allergens are:

• Mold spores and fragments
• Dust mite feces
• Windblown pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds
• Animal dander (from hair, skin, or feathers) and saliva
• Cockroach feces

Apart from allergens, irritants can also trigger asthma attacks. Irritants that may cause allergic asthma are:

• Air pollution
• Smoke from tobacco, a fireplace, candles, incense, or fireworks
• Exercise in cold air
• Cold air
• Perfumes, air fresheners, or other scented products
• Strong chemical odors or fumes
• Dusty rooms

Allergic Asthma Symptoms

The symptoms of allergic asthma are similar to those of non-allergic asthma, which are as follows:

• Repetitive coughing
• Wheezing
• Breathlessness
• Breathing heavily
• Chest congestion

Allergic Asthma Diagnosis

A skin prick test is one of the common tests conducted by the doctor. As part of the skin prick test, an allergen is pricked into the skin of the person suffering from allergic asthma and twenty minutes later the doctor examines if there is any allergic reaction. Additional tests that may be conducted are spirometry, peak flow, and lung function.

Allergic Asthma Treatment

Allergic asthma can be treated by using anti-inflammatory medication or oral medication that can reduce the allergic reactions. The doctor may prescribe an inhaler to be used daily that will prevent asthmatic symptoms.

The allergic asthma treatment may depend on the severity of the symptoms. Antihistamines are also prescribed. If the symptoms are severe, the doctor may also give an allergy shot to the patient.

Allergen immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots, is a form of long-term treatment that decreases symptoms for many people. Allergy shots decrease sensitivity to allergens and often leads to lasting relief of allergy symptoms even after treatment is stopped.